Belgium has announced a record $2.7 billion ammunition procurement plan, the largest in its military history. According to state media, Defence Minister Theo Francken confirmed the proposal in Parliament on Wednesday and will present it to the federal cabinet next week.
The package is part of the Belgian government’s Ammunition Readiness Plan 2025, which aims to replenish munitions stockpiles and build long-term supply resilience. It will cover the needs of all military branches, including artillery shells, mortars, and anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles for the land forces; guided missiles for long-range strikes and air defense for the air force; and various missile systems for the navy.
NATO Defense Spending
The announcement comes as Belgium works to meet NATO defense spending benchmarks. Member countries have agreed to increase their military budgets to 5 percent of GDP by 2035, comprising 3.5 percent for direct defense and 1.5 percent for related investments. Francken said Belgium is close to the 1.5 percent target and expects to meet it by year-end or early 2026.
Last year, the country spent 1.3 percent of its GDP on defense, among the lowest in the alliance. The government plans to reach 2 percent this year and 2.5 percent by 2034. A new defence fund under a federal investment company will also be set up, and it is expected to raise $2.8 billion to help achieve those goals.
Defense Acquisition Plans
The ammunition plan follows recent acquisition announcements to boost Belgium’s air and space defense capabilities and defense cooperation with its neighbors.
In May, Francken signed a statement of intent with Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz to acquire 200 to 300 Polish-made Piorun man-portable air defense systems. Last month, Brussels confirmed plans to acquire 10 National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System batteries from Norway.